EXPLANATION of SAFETY RULES

Eye & Hearing Protection:  Use of eye and hearing protection (shooting glasses and ear plugs or muffs) is mandatory for anyone on a skeet or trap field while shooting is in progress. The purpose for this policy should be obvious. There is the possibility of being struck by pieces of target or by shot pellets that ricochet off targets. If struck in the eye, serious injury could result. Prolonged exposure to loud noise has been shown to cause hearing loss.

Ammunition:  Use of target ammunition with shot size of 7-1/2 to 9 is mandatory. Ammunition with shot size larger than 7-1/2 is prohibited because it carries too far into the field.

Shooting Positions:   Shooters must stand at shooting positions that are designated for trap, skeet or 5 stand.. Shooting from other than designated shooting positions can cause a potentially dangerous situation, and is prohibited.

Loading Guns:   Before attempting to shoot, shooters must be knowledgeable of the safe operation of their shotgun and how to load and unload in a safe and competent manner. Load gun only when shooting or preparing to shoot from a designated shooting station and only when it is your turn to shoot. At all other times, guns must be unloaded and the action must be open so that it is obvious to everyone that the gun is unloaded. The only exception to this rule is when a break-open shotgun is closed to be placed on a gun rack. When removed from the rack, the gun must be opened. Carrying shotguns with the actions closed is prohibited. When shooting trap, only one shell at a time is loaded when shooting singles, two shells are loaded for doubles, and either one or two shells may be loaded when shooting wobble trap or 5 stand. When shooting skeet, either one or two shells at a time may be loaded, except when shooting station 8 high house, when only one shell is loaded. Loading more than two shells under any circumstances is prohibited.

Pointing Shotguns:   When shooting or preparing to shoot, it is the shooter’s responsibility to keep his or her shotgun pointed in a safe direction at all times. “A safe direction” means towards the outfield, which is the area between and beyond the skeet houses of the field that you are shooting on. “At all times” means while the gun is being loaded, while shouldering and shooting the gun, and after the completion of the shot. The purpose for this rule is that if the gun were to fire accidentally, it would not cause any harm. When loading, shooters must be particularly aware not to hold the shotgun in such a manner that the muzzle is pointed towards the “infield” or pointed down near their feet. Shooters must also be careful not to “over-swing”, which is continuing to swing the shotgun to where it can potentially be pointed at people shooting on adjacent fields. This practice is dangerous and unnecessary, and is prohibited. When shooting skeet, station 8 targets must be shot before passing the center stake.

Enforcement: It is the responsibility of the staff and all members of the Center to play an active role in enforcing the safety regulations. If safety violations are observed, they will be addressed either by speaking directly to the violator or by notifying the Center’s Manager. Individuals who violate the safety regulations can be barred from shooting at the Center. Members can be subject to expulsion or suspension of their membership.